Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) has announced that he will ride the 2019 Giro d'Italia. The Briton wants to improve from his 2018 performance in the race.

After his first Grand Tour victory at the 2018 Vuelta a España, Yates wants to face some unfinished business at the Italian race. In the 2018 edition of it, the rider spent 13 days in the Pink Jersey and finished in the 21st position of the General Classification.

"I'm looking forward to returning to the Giro d'Italia next year," said the Briton. "It's a race I have great memories from but one which also left a bitter taste in my mouth, so I want to go back to try to finish the job off. I'm already working hard to arrive in great shape and I can't wait for the season to begin.

"The Giro is always an extremely difficult race and next year, with three time trials, it's maybe not perfectly suited to me, but we will still give it a real go and see what we can achieve."

Mitchelton-Scott knew the rider wanted to go back to face the race with a renewed confidence. "It was Simon's first Giro d'Italia this year and it'll be a Giro he will never forget," commented head sports director Matt White. "He liked the style of racing there, he liked his experience at the Giro, he had the most success he has ever had at any race and then the biggest disappointment that he has ever had.

"Experience does matter. He will return with the self-assurance that he's been there, he knows what to expect with the different style of racing, and he and the team know they can win a Grand Tour."